UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY... AS ALWAYS
2016 PROGRESS REPORT
RIVERSIDE ISN’T JUST A CITY. IT’S OUR CITY. A CITY WILLING TO FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT FOR THOSE WHO WORK AND LIVE HERE.
ONE THAT BUILDS BONDS OF TRUST AND FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN FIRST RESPONDERS AND CITIZENS.
THAT ENGAGES AND SUPPORTS ITS CHILDREN IN INNOVATIVE, CREATIVE WAYS.
UPSTREAM FROM ORDINARY... THAT PARTNERS WITH DEVELOPERS TO LAND NEW BUSINESSES, CREATE NEW JOBS AND BUILD NEW HOMES.
AS ALWAYS. THAT BUILDS UPON THE PAST AND THINKS ABOUT MAKING A BETTER TOMORROW, EVERY DAY.
A CITY RICH IN COMMUNITY, PROGRESSIVE IN THOUGHT AND DEED, AND CARING AT HEART.
I hope you enjoy our 2016 “Look Book.” For everyone in Riverside, looking back has always been the starting point for looking forward. We look back to see where we have been, what we have accomplished, and in looking forward we plan our next steps, always with the goal of keeping us Upstream from Ordinary. Year after year, since Riverside was incorporated as a fourth-class city in June of 1951, our history is one of building upon our accomplishments. We have grown from Lakeside School being the first school in our area in 1880 to today’s support of Beyond the Bell, one of the premier reading programs for children. From Beverly Lumber opening in 1946 to today’s retail study, which will guide us in bringing more retail to Riverside. From the 1975 forming of Public Safety to today’s Fire and Police Athletic League, the only program in the country that brings together firefighters, police officers and kids in a mentoring relationship. As we look back, we are gratified our list of accomplishments is long. And as we look forward, we are excited about the work that remains. The challenges of the past prepare us for the challenges of the future: A future that remains “Upstream from Ordinary.” KATHY ROSE MAYOR
CITY HALL AT WORK A city is only as strong as those who strive to make it that way. In Riverside, the people behind the scenes at City Hall help make our community truly “Upstream from Ordinary.” We value and invest in our team so they can be the best at what they do. Such as Assistant Public Works Director Norman Buescher, who in 2016 completed the Certification of the Public Works Institute’s 90-hour Program of Instruction in Public Works Supervision and Management. Or City Clerk Robin Kincaid, who earned her Missouri Professional City Clerk certification, the highest possible designation from the Missouri City Clerks and Finance Officers Association. Or Director of Finance Donna Oliver, who for the 10th year in a row received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting — the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting — from the Government Finance Officers Association. Together, these and many other City employees work to make Riverside a more efficient, smarter and stronger community.
What happens at City Hall? In Riverside, the answer is “plenty.” From taking on a major utility and battling rising rates to offering new forums for engaging and listening to constituents, the business of running the City and caring for the community continued to be at the top of the City’s agenda in 2016.
THE FIGHT FOR FAIR WATER RATES Five times over the last nine years, Missouri American Water Company has petitioned the Missouri Public Service Commission for a rate increase from their customers, which includes Riverside. Each time, the City aggressively advocated for the residents and business owners to keep the increases to a minimum. Though not always successful, the City pledged to keep up the fight. Earlier this year, Riverside again found itself aggressively involved in the most recent rate case, which would have amounted to the highest rates in the state of Missouri by a margin of 60-70%. In February 2016, City officials testified before the Public Service Commission, where they shared testimony from residents and presented facts showing Riverside customers were paying more than other cities. The ruling by the Public Service Commission marked progress for Riverside by redistricting Platte County in a larger group and garnering a rate
decrease for residential customers. Though the Office of Public Counsel has appealed this ruling, the City pledges to continue to take the fight to them, as often as it takes, to secure fair rates for Riverside residents.
CONNECTING CITY & COMMUNITY In 2016, the City explored new ways to interact with the community to build connections and assure that the residents and business are not just heard, but recognized. To that end, a new format for a Town Hall meeting was launched in June. The format begins open-house style, with residents perusing information stations to learn about various topics, and then moves into a question-and-answer session where attendees share opinions and ask questions of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Another new outreach effort brought city staffers — with an ice cream cart in tow — to host informal meet-and-greets in two Riverside neighborhoods. The City will continue to explore new ways to engage with the community in 2017.
PLANNING THE FUTURE OF RETAIL
In 2016, the City commissioned a feasibility study to assess the viability of expanding retail offerings in Riverside. The results of the study were presented to the City at a special board meeting on October 5, 2016. The study focused on what currently exists, and more important, what is missing: more retail, restaurants and entertainment.
The study evaluated existing and proposed shopping districts and retail concentrations, and analyzed the current retail landscape in each of four established and potential shopping areas. Those areas include the Red X and Argosy destinations, the Downtown Corridor and brand-new retail destinations at Horizons. The study suggests that Riverside could support more fast food, fast-casual and sit-down dining; retail/pharmacy; apparel and accessories; specialty food/drink; convenience; and entertainment options. Though in its early stages, the study lays the groundwork for a master plan for expanded retail offerings that are sustainable by those who work,
live and visit Riverside. When complete, Riverside will be able to offer 162,000 square feet of supportable retail, restaurants and entertainment, and nearly $60 million in new retail sales by 2022. This expanded retail would serve as a source of revenue for the City, paving the way to fund potential improvements to services and infrastructure.
ENGAGING & SUPPORTING KIDS Riverside is a City dedicated to embracing and supporting its youth in thoughtful ways. From expanded learning opportunities to fun, positive experiences with mentors ranging from student athletes to first responders, Riverside is proud to nurture and shepherd our future generations.
BEYOND THE BELL PROVIDES LEARNING, FUN For most students, learning occurs during the school day. But for students at English Landing Elementary, who could benefit from a little extra support, the Beyond the Bell program delivers individualized tutoring each Tuesday and Thursday during the school year at the Riverside Community Center. Staffed by four English Landing Elementary teachers, the program serves nearly 40 students and features a mix of educational games, individualized learning and classwork. Participation is offered by invitation to preserve an effective teacher-to-student ratio. Principal Kerry Roe is grateful for the partnership between the school and the City of Riverside that makes Beyond the Bell possible. In addition to extended learning, she sees firsthand how the program benefits the children who attend. “Knowing the teachers want to spend
time with them outside of school hours makes a real difference in their lives,” she explained.
PHSHS TENNIS TEAM MENTORS FPAL YOUTH 2016 saw the launch of a partnership between The City of Riverside, FPAL and the Park Hill High School Lady Panthers Tennis Team. The purpose was to provide student athletes the opportunity to give back by sharing their passion for tennis with the community. Under the guidance of Tennis Coach Ian Cunliff, the Lady Panthers held two daylong clinics for FPAL members age 8 to 13. Though the premise of the sessions is teaching basic tennis skills, new and valuable relationships between players and FPAL kids developed. “The act of being kind to somebody else is a good experience for our girls and helps them bond as a team.” The experience is equally as meaningful for the FPAL
members who participate, according to Connie Wuebben, president of the team’s booster club and the driving force behind the partnership that launched the clinics. Two more FPAL Tennis Clinics are scheduled for Spring 2017.
ONGOING FPAL EVENTS Every year, the Riverside Fire/Police Athletic League brings together first
responders with community children in need of mentoring, friendship and fun activities. In 2016, favorite activities, such as skating parties, movie nights, swim parties and fishing trips kept kids active, engaged and safe. Another time-honored event, the yearly Shop with a Cop outing, was held in December to the delight of all involved.
WE HAD ONE SHY KIDDO JOIN US WHO, IN THE BEGINNING, DIDN’T REALLY WANT TO BE THERE. BY THE TIME HE LEFT, HE WANTED TO KNOW WHEN HE COULD COME BACK AGAIN. THAT’S PURE GOLD FOR OUR TEAM AND A WIN-WIN FOR OUR YOUTH AND OUR COMMUNITY. Connie Wuebben, President LADY PANTHERS TENNIS BOOSTER CLUB
NEW PLACES TO CALL HOME Riverside is a small but thriving town with great schools, award-winning city services, a community center and convenient access to highways that connect residents to work and fun.
In the past, if you wanted to build or buy a new home in Riverside, your options were few. Today, there are more choices than ever before, from affordable starter homes to luxury homes with views of the KC skyline, and many options in between.
NEW DEVELOPMENT IN GATE WOODS When ground was broken on the Gate Woods subdivision in 2005, its beautifully appointed yet modestly priced homes immediately attracted families, singles and empty nesters. But in 2010, the developer declared bankruptcy, and left in its wake an unfinished subdivision, a defunct homeowner’s association and clouded title to neighborhood common areas. Lack of maintenance and the inability to hold the developer accountable quickly led to growing frustration within
the neighborhood. That’s when Riverside resident and realtor Denise Hamilton stepped up to help. She worked with everyone involved to clear the title and gain control of the common areas, resolve the issue of unpaid taxes, and create a new Homeowner’s Association. Today, Gate Woods is again a thriving, close-knit community.
MONTEBELLA LAUNCHES PHASE 3 Just past a welcoming waterfall is the Montebella subdivision. With the lots in Phase 1 and 2 having been sold, developers and brothers David and John Barth petitioned and gained approval by the Riverside planning commission to create a third phase in Fall 2016, which when complete will hold 38 lots. Situated across the street from Park Hill South High School but still within city limits, Phase 3 will see the addition of a swimming pool and clubhouse.
David Barth said annexing the properties into the City of Riverside was a key part of their plan.
NEW LUXURY DEVELOPMENT PLANNED Yet to be named, the next development on the Barth brothers’ list is the launch of a luxury-home community located on 70 bluff-top acres. It features 89 lots offering
buyers either panoramic views of the city or the river. According to David Barth, it is the last remaining parcel in Platte County with unobstructed views of the river and downtown Kansas City lights. He cited Riverside’s “developer friendly” attitude for making the purchase, inspections, paperwork and overall process easy.
THE LACK OF CITY PROPERTY TAX, THE HEALTHY CITIZENS INITIATIVE AND EXCELLENT CITY SERVICES ARE ALL REASONS OUR BUYERS ASK, ‘IS THIS A RIVERSIDE ADDRESS?’ THEY WANT IT; IT’S POPULAR. WE WOULDN’T HAVE HAD THAT 20 YEARS AGO. David Barth, Principal BARTH DEVELOPMENT
2016 - 2017 BUDGET In June 2016, the Board of Aldermen adopted the 2016-17 Operating Budget. Gaming Revenue, Real Estate Income and TIF Revenue have all increased in recent years. The Board of Aldermen held the General Fund budgeted expenditures to only a 1.3% increase this year.
2016 - 2017 REVENUE GAMING REVENUE TIF FROM HORIZONS REAL ESTATE INCOME TAXES OTHER REVENUE RESERVES
$ 6,400,000 6,855,500 4,300,000 2,669,450 751,137 265,741
TOTAL REVENUES
21,241,828
Discussion on the 2017-18 Operating Budget will begin in April with the final budget adoption in June.
EXPENDITURE BUDGET SALARIES & BENEFITS CONTRACTURAL SERVICES CAPITAL EQUIPMENT DEBT SERVICE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
$ 6,629,595 3,784,833 360,400 6,689,000 3,778,000
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
21,241,828
2016-2017 OPERATING BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
EQUIPMENT
GENERAL BUDGET GROWTH
1 POLICE VEHICLE 1 FIRE VEHICLE 1 PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLE PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT COMPUTER EQUIPMENT PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT AUDIO/VISUAL EQUIPMENT
$ 50,000 50,000 40,000 175,000 67,400 293,000 50,000
TOTAL
725,400
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE HORIZONS INFRASTRUCTURE PARKS & TRAILS
$ 1,276,000 1,550,000 587,000
TOTAL
3,413,000
2016-17 2015-16 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-12
BUDGET
GROWTH
$ 10,264,428 10,132,369 10,056,787 9,907,612 9,727,892 9,127,850
1.3% 0.8% 1.5% 1.8% 6.6%
BOARDS & COMMISSIONS BOARD OF ALDERMEN
Mayor Kathy Rose
Chet Pruett
Aaron Thatcher
Ron Super
Frank Biondo
The City of Riverside is only as strong as those who choose to serve our community. We are fortunate to have this dedicated group of individuals committed to ensuring Riverside remains an “Upstream from Ordinary” place to work and live for years to come.
BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT
Harold Snoderly
Dave Thatcher
Ray Uhl
Rick Euwer Chris Craig Lowell Hickman INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Harold Snoderly
Al Bowman
Leland Finley Jason Rule Pamela Darata PARKS BOARD LaNette Ingram Jerry Pietsch Terri Dwyer Elaine Warren
Steven Kaspar Mike Lombardo Steven King TAX INCREMENT FINANCING COMMISSION Beverlee Roper Ron Schieber Jeanette Cowherd Paul Kelly Ron Super Leland Finley Kip Crawford Kathy Rose
Chet Pruitt
TOURISM COMMISSION
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Frank Biondo
Nathan Cretsinger
Ar t Homer
Mike Soler
Jim Frakes
Lori Locke